Sunday, December 13, 2009

Iran vows to back Hamas until 'imminent collapse of Zionist regime'

Iran's official news agency says President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has reiterated his support for Hamas during a visit by the Palestinian militant group's Syrian-based leader.

In a meeting with visiting Hamas politburo head Khaled Meshaal, Ahmadinejad said that Iran would constantly stand besides the Palestinian nation until what he called "imminent collapse of the Zionist regime (Israel)."

Iranian TV quoted Meshaal as saying that Hamas would continue its fight against Israel and its supporters "until final victory."

"The government and the people of Iran will always stand by the Palestinian resistance and the Palestinian people," Ahmadinejad said during the meeting. "Today Palestine is symbol of the global front of freedom-seekers and militants."

Iran does not recognize Israel and supports Lebanese-based Hezbollah and Hamas - two of the chief militant groups fighting Israel.